Fulcrum is a leading team of international consulting engineers. With affiliations and representations within industry and Government bodies beyond our size, Fulcrum is an influencer of sustainability policy at regional and national levels. Fulcrum Briefings is our bi-monthly newsletter bringing you industry news and developments long before they reach the outside world. To ensure you're on the mailing list, please email 

Some recent examples are given below:-

Fulcrum Briefings - Issue 04 February 2009 Zero Carbon' to be redefined
How you can have a say

With the public consultation open until March 18th, this was the time to have your say on whether you think the proposed Government definition on zero carbon cuts the mustard!
The Government's drive towards zero carbon homes by 2016 - and zero carbon non-domestic buildings just 3 years later - poses a huge challenge to the construction industry and many major changes must take place over the next 7-10 years to achieve this ambition………...

Fulcrum Briefings - Issue 03 November 2008 Demystifying the EPC
Since 1st October 2008, all newly constructed, sold or let buildings in England and Wales have required an Energy Performance Certificate. In Scotland, all new buildings have required an EPC since 1st January 2007 (with buildings for sale or let soon to follow). From now on, EPCs will affect everyone involved in building and property – but the changing requirements and deadlines are confusing. So this briefing is about bringing you up to speed…

Articles include:
Key Points
Who needs EPCs and DECs?
Transitional Arrangements
EPC Timetable in England, Wales & Scotland
How to get an EPC
Step by Step guide
Can you predict your EPC rating?
Modelling, Part L and EPCs
How to improve your EPC rating

And September 2008 andJuly 2008 editions below -

Fulcrum Briefings - Issue 02 September 2008
Updated cost analysis of the Code for Sustainable Homes
CLG present the figures, based on the most recent technical guidance and definitions of zero carbon

Other Articles include:
Utilising small scale wind turbines
Updates to the London Plan
BREEAM 2008 – changes to be aware of
GLA’s 20% rule not hard and fast
Useful publications 

Fulcrum Briefings - Issue 01 July  2008
Headline article:
Code for Sustainable Homes – April 2008 changes
The April 2008 version of the Code for Sustainable Homes came into effect on the 1st May 2008, and incorporated a number of changes from the October 2007 version.

Other Articles include:
EPC rating study   
Apportionment of CO2 savings for mixed-use developments
Zero Carbon Timeline
Private Wire and the Code for Sustainable Homes